Vermont's cabin camping options near Montgomery Center range from primitive to comfortable, with elevations between 700-1,800 feet. The area features a mix of waterfront and forested sites situated among the northern Green Mountains. Cabin stays in this region typically require more preparation during shoulder seasons when temperatures can drop significantly at night.
What to do
Trail access exploration: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers direct access to Mount Mansfield's trail system, Vermont's highest peak. The campground serves as an excellent starting point for hikers. "You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," notes one visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.
Winter recreation options: During winter months, some cabins remain available by reservation. At Smugglers Notch, winter visitors face different access requirements. "Free of charge during off season, you just have to call a couple weeks ahead to reserve and make sure you park in the allotted area. Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed," explains a winter camper.
Waterfront activities: Lake Carmi State Park Campground provides multiple water access points for boating and fishing. "There are two boat launch areas, one in each loop. Great for kayaks, and canoes, and we saw what looked like a fishing boat," reports a recent visitor to Lake Carmi State Park Campground.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Brewster River Campground offers secluded cabin options with natural sound barriers. "I love how dark it gets and that you can hear the river beside you all night," mentions a camper at Brewster River Campground. This location provides a tranquil experience even when the campground is fully booked.
Distinctive cabin structures: Some areas feature specialized cabin designs beyond standard four-wall construction. A visitor to Brewster River Campground describes their experience: "My husband and I stayed in the lean-to with our two toddlers. It has 3 walls and netting on the fourth. Inside there are two queen sized platforms."
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Cabin sites often attract local wildlife, especially during shoulder seasons. At Lake Carmi, visitors report unique encounters: "A surprise was a family of ducks who visited our site when I was outside reading! Our stay was very quiet during the week after Labor Day."
What you should know
Winter preparation requirements: Off-season cabin camping demands additional planning and equipment. A winter visitor to Smugglers Notch cautions: "No facilities off season…Carry out all trash/waste. Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag."
Reservation timing strategy: Peak season cabin bookings fill quickly, especially at premium sites. At Burton Island State Park Campground, campers should plan far ahead: "Campsites at Burton Island book far in advance. When we booked our Labor Day weekend tent site back in March, there were only 2 leantos (out of 26) left and a handful of tent sites."
Shower amenities vary: Cabin campers should research shower facilities before arrival. At Little River State Park, "The showers do take quarters and although you get five minutes for each quarter (up to 15 quarters, although I can't imagine taking that long of a shower), it was quite possibly the wimpiest shower I've experienced in quite some time."
Tips for camping with families
Supervised water access: Mountain View Campground offers multiple water options for families with children. According to a reviewer at Mountain View Campground, "There are 2 pools (one for adults only) and a hot tub. There is mini golf, a playground, corn hole, and tube rentals for the river behind the campground."
Nature programming availability: Several parks offer educational activities for children. At Grand Isle State Park, visitors note the "cute little beach and nature center with youth programs" that enhance the family camping experience.
Space considerations: Family cabins vary significantly in size and sleeping configurations. At Brewster River, they provide specific sleeping arrangements: "Inside there are two queen sized platforms (we put an air mattress down) and it is right on the river."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Some cabin areas accommodate RVs but with size limitations. At Little River State Park Campground, visitors note the layout is "very remote, but Stowe and Waterbury close by!" providing options for resupply even at more isolated locations.
Hookup availability: Most cabin camping areas near Montgomery Center have limited RV services. A Lake Carmi visitor explains: "You can fill up the camper with water on the way in but no sites have any hookups. And there are few that are big enough for large RVs."
Off-grid considerations: Cellular coverage is inconsistent throughout the region. A Lake Carmi camper notes the "major drawback is lack of cell service & power," suggesting that RVers should prepare for potentially limited connectivity.
